The Asian palm civet is a high-value specialty species suitable for small- and medium-scale farming systems, offering promising income-generating opportunities.
In recent years, alongside conventional livestock such as chickens, pigs, and ducks, farmers have increasingly sought alternative species with higher economic returns and lower market competition. Among these, civet farming has gained considerable attention. Is civet farming truly an effective new production model? And how can it be implemented properly and efficiently?
I. WHAT IS A CIVET AND WHY IS IT CONSIDERED A “SPECIALTY” SPECIES?
The Asian palm civet is a wild species that has been successfully domesticated and bred in captivity in many regions.
Key biological characteristics:
– Slender body with an elongated tail
– Nocturnal behavior
– Omnivorous diet, primarily protein sources and fruits
– Presence of well-developed perineal scent glands producing characteristic musk
Image of civet farming
Economic value of civets includes:
– Civet meat: a premium specialty product highly demanded by restaurants
– Breeding stock: high commercial value, particularly reproductively efficient females
– Natural musk: contributes to product differentiation and branding
Therefore, civets are not mass-production livestock but belong to the specialty animal production segment. Compared with poultry and swine, civet farming involves lower direct competition. However, systematic and technically standardized farming operations remain limited, with most households operating on a small scale.
If implemented correctly and at an early stage, civet farming provides significant advantages, as current market prices for both meat and breeding stock remain high.
Even small-scale operations can generate profit. Large land areas and complex housing systems are not required; individual housing is sufficient. This is why many farmers consider civet farming a viable alternative to traditional livestock production.
II. CIVET HUSBANDRY TECHNIQUES
Prior to initiating production, farmers must thoroughly understand civet behavioral characteristics, procure breeding stock from reputable and legally certified sources, and secure stable market outlets.
1. Breeding Stock Selection Criteria
Select animals exhibiting:
– Bright eyes and alert behavior
– Smooth, glossy coat without piloerection
– No nasal discharge and no signs of diarrhea
– For females: Soft abdomen, clearly developed mammary glands
– For males: Active, robust, and healthy, recommended breeding ratio: 1 male to 2–3 females
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2. Housing Management
– Housing conditions should ensure: Adequate ventilation without drafts, quiet surroundings, ease of sanitation, strict individual separation. Civets are highly sensitive to noise; stress may lead to anorexia and reduced performance. Therefore, maintaining a quiet environment is essential.
– Common housing systems include: Wire mesh cages with plastic flooring, and Brick-built enclosures divided into individual compartments. Each compartment has: Length: 80–100 cm, Width: 60–80 cm, Height: 70–80 cm. Each enclosure should be equipped with a nest box, feed trough, and water container.
3. Feeding Management
Contrary to common belief, civet feeding costs are relatively moderate. The primary diet typically consists of: Fish, meat by-products, eggs, commercial pelleted feed, fruits such as banana, papaya, and jackfruit. Feeding frequency: 1–2 times per day, preferably in the late afternoon or evening, consistent with their nocturnal feeding behavior. Feed and drinking water must be hygienic, fresh, and free from spoilage or fungal contamination.
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4. Reproductive Management
– Estrus duration: approximately 7–10 days
– Gestation period: 58–60 days
– Litter size: 2–4 kits per parturition, average of 2 litters per year. With proper nutritional and reproductive management, a female can produce approximately 8 offspring annually.
Pre-parturition management:
– Maintain absolute quiet
– Avoid early handling of neonates
– Supplement the dam with high-protein feed to support lactation and neonatal growth
5. Health Care and Disease Prevention
Civets generally exhibit relatively strong disease resistance; however, once clinical disease occurs, progression may be severe.
Common health disorders include: Diarrhea, Pneumonia, Stress-induced anorexia
Preventive measures: Maintain strict sanitation of housing facilities, Provide clean, uncontaminated feed, Avoid sudden environmental changes, Minimize stress and restrict unnecessary human contact.
In the current trend toward high-value, specialty, small- to medium-scale agricultural production, civet farming represents a promising alternative enterprise. With proper market positioning, branding development, and adherence to safe and sustainable production practices, this model can contribute to livestock diversification and improved farmer income.